SAPRI participates in the 2024 Marion Island Relief Expedition
SAPRI’s involvement included the deployment of its first-ever overwintering team on the island to conduct long-term observations of top predators such as seals, killer whales and birds. This work continues the monitoring projects initially undertaken by South African university teams, now managed by SAPRI.
Science and technology in action
Investigating the impact of the Agulhas Current on the coastal environment
The project aims to establish a robust monitoring programme comprising physical, biogeochemical and planktonic components of the southern Agulhas Current to gain deeper insights into these phenomena.
Mariepskop – studying contemporary vegetation change in mountain catchments
Long-term research on the Great Escarpment mountains at the border between Mpumalanga and Limpopo in northern South Africa, is shedding light on the fate of ecosystems in response to major land use change.
SAEON‘s uLwazi Node wins at the ‘Science Oscars’
The Data for Research Award recognises an individual or a team that has made great strides in the advancement of the availability, management and reuse of research data. The uLwazi Node has cemented its place as a critical platform for environmental data.
The Prince Albert Vygie: studying declining populations over two decades
Findings by researchers support predictions that drought and warming may cause a decline in dwarf succulents such as the Prince Albert Vygie, further impacted by intense grazing and unscrupulous collectors.
Meet Dr Zanele Ntshidi, the new manager of the Arid Lands Node
Zanele, who hails from the rural areas of the Eastern Cape, is passionate about striving for a positive societal impact in research and taking the final products to the societies that need them the most.
SAEON and the University of KwaZulu-Natal co-host SA Chapter of IORAG meeting
The meeting was attended by academic, policy and business stakeholders from across South Africa, including a representative from the South African Maritime Safety Authority.
Professorship for SAEON scientist Dave Thompson
The appointment recognises Dave’s achievements and extensive experience in plant population dynamics and student supervision. He is currently involved in the training of eight North-West University postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows.
Exploring future collaboration with climate observations and research groups in India
Dr Warren Joubert of EFTEON participated in a research exchange visit to India to interact with the Indian climate change monitoring group and explore potential collaborative opportunities.
Message from the MD
Building vital capacity
The EFTEON science team attend bioassessment method training course for rivers
The next step for the team would be to become accredited so that they can implement this protocol within EFTEON’s Northern Drakensberg landscape – a valuable tool when conducting research along a river, or in an area that has a major river.
“I learnt how to think like a scientist”
The Grasslands Node Science Camp was found to be a transformative experience, equipping Grade 9 learners with important scientific skills and promoting a deep appreciation for science and the natural world around them.
NRF-SAEON in the media
SAEON’s people and projects received coverage in national print, broadcast, online and social media.
